US4838732A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Elastomeric sealing device
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1982-05-12
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Granted: 1989-06-13
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Expires: 2002-05-12
Abstract
Abstract An elastomeric sealing device to prevent ingress of surface fluids into holes, principally drains which are characterized by non-watertight covers or grilles with either regular or irregular topographic boundaries. The device comprises a three-part construction, including a top film, a core elastomer having minimal shear strength, and a bottom film. When in use, the device conforms to contour of adjacent hole covering device and fills existing crevices and voids, thereby providing an efficient seal. When removed from hole, device recovers neutral shape thereby being suitable for re-use on same or different hole.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen E. Clark
- 👤 Earl A. Clark
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 13:16
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03F; E03F7/00; E03F7/02; E02; E02D; E02D29/00; E02D29/12; E02D29/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
A device for sealing off holes that have irregular or non-planar boundaries from ingress of surface fluids into said holes comprising a core elastomer having a top surface and a bottom surface; said core elastomer having a thickness as measured between said top surface and said bottom surface that is small relative to the legnth of the perimeter of said top surface; said core elastomer having extremely low shear resistance whereby said core elastomer conforms, under its own weight, to the shape of said boundaries of said holes when said device is placed against said boundaries; a top film adjacent to said top surface of said core elastomer being flexible, impermeable to liquids, and thin relative to said core elastomer; and a bottom film adjacent to said bottom surface of said core elastomer being flexible, impermeable to liquids, and thin relative to said core elastomer.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
145 words
A device for sealing off holes that have irregular or non-planar boundaries from ingress of surface fluids into said holes comprising a core elastomer having a top surface and a bottom surface; said core elastomer having a thickness as measured between said top surface and said bottom surface that is small relative to the legnth of the perimeter of said top surface; said core elastomer having extremely low shear resistance whereby said core elastomer conforms, under its own weight, to the shape of said boundaries of said holes when said device is placed against said boundaries; a top film adjacent to said top surface of said core elastomer being flexible, impermeable to liquids, and thin relative to said core elastomer; and a bottom film adjacent to said bottom surface of said core elastomer being flexible, impermeable to liquids, and thin relative to said core elastomer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device as described in claim 1 in which said top film and said bottom film are a continuous member.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
199 words
A device for sealing off large holes, such as storm drains, that have irregular or non-planar boundaries from ingress of surface fluids into said holes comprising a nominally flat core elastomer having a top surface and a bottom surface; said core elastomer being of specific gravity greater than 1, and having a thickness as measured between said top surface and said bottom surface that is small relative to the length of the perimeter of said bottom surface; said core elastomer being of extremely low shear strength such that said core elastomer conforms, under its own weight, to the shape of said boundaries of said holes when said device is placed vertically above and in direct contact with said boundaries; a top film adjacent to and covering said top surface of said core elastomer; said top film being flexible, impermeable to liquids, and thin relative to said core elastomer; and a bottom film adjacent to and covering said bottom surface of said core elastomer; said bottom film being flexible, impermeable to liquids, and thin relative to said core elastomer; and said top film being joined to said bottom film at said perimeter of said bottom surface of said core elastomer.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
199 words
A device for sealing off large holes, such as storm drains, that have irregular or non-planar boundaries from ingress of surface fluids into said holes comprising a nominally flat core elastomer having a top surface and a bottom surface; said core elastomer being of specific gravity greater than 1, and having a thickness as measured between said top surface and said bottom surface that is small relative to the length of the perimeter of said bottom surface; said core elastomer being of extremely low shear strength such that said core elastomer conforms, under its own weight, to the shape of said boundaries of said holes when said device is placed vertically above and in direct contact with said boundaries; a top film adjacent to and covering said top surface of said core elastomer; said top film being flexible, impermeable to liquids, and thin relative to said core elastomer; and a bottom film adjacent to and covering said bottom surface of said core elastomer; said bottom film being flexible, impermeable to liquids, and thin relative to said core elastomer; and said top film being joined to said bottom film at said perimeter of said bottom surface of said core elastomer.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-06-12 | 1992-12-12 | 1993-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-06-12 | 1996-12-12 | 1997-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-06-12 | 2000-12-12 | 2001-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |